Every year, Florida attracts hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors who want to enjoy the beautiful water surrounding the state. And as a result, recreational boating is ubiquitous throughout Florida. With the prevalence of individuals partaking in recreational boating, there also is the added factor of boating congestion.
This increased boating congestion and traffic invariably leads to an increased likelihood for boating accidents, which can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Given that Florida is one of the most popular boating destinations in the United States, it should therefore come as no surprise that the state also leads the nation in boating accidents.
2014 Boating Accidents Statistical Report
According to a recent report from the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida is the number one state in the United States for boating accidents and boating fatalities. In 2014, there were 634 reported boating accidents with the number one type of accident being collisions (163 or 26%). In addition to boats, other individuals on the water were involved in the accidents, including towed watersport and paddle-craft activities, such as canoes, kayaks and rowboats.
Notably, these accidents resulted in 365 injuries for an injury rate of 41 injuries per 100,000 registered vessels. What’s more, there were 64 fatal accidents, which resulted in a total of 73 fatalities. Miami-Dade County had the highest number of accidents and injuries with 79 total accidents resulting in 10 fatalities and 47 injuries. The leading cause of boating fatalities was drowning, with 51 deaths. Importantly, operator error played a significant role in many of the accidents, including: operator inexperience (81); no proper look-out (79); operator inattention (69); excessive speed (66); careless/reckless (39); violation of navigation rule (14); and improper anchoring (7). Also, alcohol or drug use is reported to have played a role in 12% of the boating fatalities.
Contact Our Florida Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a vehicle, either on land or water, it is important to reach out to an experienced accident attorney who can protect your rights. At Reed & Reed, we employ a team of experienced Florida personal injury attorneys who are adept at handling all types of vehicle accidents. You may be entitled to recover compensation if you have been injured as a result of another person’s negligent or reckless conduct. Examples of possible damages include compensation for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
Our Florida accident attorneys will fight for your rights to make sure that you recover the compensation you deserve. From our office in Brandon, we help clients in Tampa, New Tampa, Plant City, East Hillsborough County and throughout the state of Florida. Contact Reed & Reed for a free consultation.